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Passive protection hardware is crucial for safe climbing, offering a reliable way to protect yourself on the rock. Unlike active protection that moves, passive gear relies on the rock's features to hold firm. Selecting the right pieces ensures your security and confidence on challenging ascents.
COMPLETE SIZE RANGE FOR TRAD CLIMBING: Includes sizes #4–13 to cover common crack shapes, constrictions, and varied granite and sandstone features. A foundational passive protection set for building reliable placements.
LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM HEADS: Forged from durable, lightweight aluminum that balances strength with sensitivity. Provides excellent feedback when setting each nut, improving placement confidence on lead.
COLOR-CODED FOR FAST IDENTIFICATION: Each stopper is anodized to match its cable tag for quick size recognition on your harness. Helps streamline gear selection on wandering or technical pitches.
DURABLE STEEL CABLES: Strong galvanized cables resist fraying and maintain shape through repeated use. Designed to withstand constant loading, cleaning, and repositioning on multi-pitch routes.
VERSATILE PASSIVE PROTECTION: Works effectively in parallel cracks, flares, constrictions, and pockets. Ideal for trad leaders, guiding racks, alpine missions, and anyone needing secure, dependable protection.
ULTRA-DURABLE 25kN BOLT HANGER: 25kN bolt hanger constructed from 316 stainless steel for maximum safety. This rock climbing anchor point supports 2500kg, ideal for heavy duty outdoor climbing gear
MARINE-GRADE STAINLESS STEEL HANGER PLATE: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel hanger plate withstands rain and snow. Perfect rock climbing equipment for wet environments and caving climbing bolt applications.
VERSATILE ROCK CLIMBING ANCHORS & HOPOINT: Precision-engineered hopoint for secure connections. This rock climbing anchor works with rope anchor hooks, ensuring smooth rope glide and reduced wear
COMPACT & EASY INSTALL HANGER BOLTS: Portable hanger bolts for quick setup. This lightweight climbing bolt hanger is compatible with expansion bolt pitons for stable rock climbing anchor installation
PROFESSIONAL HANDLINE HOOK CLIMBING GEAR: Top-tier handline hook climbing gear for aerial work and rescue. A must-have accessory for professional rock climbing anchoring and outdoor adventures
Shape provides additional protection options and the reduced width aids stability in shallow placements.
Sizes 1-4 are made of a harder alloy to prevent shearing and size 5-11 are made of a softer alloy to improve bite. Size 7 features scooped faces to save weight.
Single cable sizes 1-7 reduces weight. Hollow extrusion and dual thinner cable on the 8-11 to save weight.
The combined weight of the 1-11 Halfnut sets are 42% lighter than the equivalent Wallnuts and they are similarly colour coded. Same taper angles and side profile as DMM's tried and tested Wallnuts.
Colour matched shrink tube for easy identification.
Last update on 2026-07-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Best Climbing Passive Protection Hardware
Understanding Passive Protection Types
Passive protection refers to gear that doesn't require any mechanical action to function. Its holding power comes from its shape and how it's placed within a rock feature.
Common types include nuts (also known as stoppers or chocks) and hexes. Nuts are typically wedge-shaped metal pieces with a wire loop. Hexes are hexagonal-shaped pieces that can be placed in either a nut or hex orientation.
Tricams are another popular passive device, featuring a striking camming action that can also be placed passively. They are versatile and can work in parallel cracks or pockets.
Key Considerations When Buying
Material: Most passive protection is made from aluminum or steel. Aluminum is lighter and generally less expensive, while steel offers greater strength and durability, making it a good choice for heavier-duty use.
Size Range: Passive protection comes in a wide variety of sizes, from tiny micro-nuts for thin cracks to large hexes for wider fissures. Consider the types of rock and crack sizes you'll most often encounter to build a well-rounded rack.
Shape and Taper: The shape of the protection is critical for its holding power. Wedge-shaped nuts are excellent in parallel-sided cracks, while tapered pieces work well in flaring or irregular cracks.
Wire Strength: Ensure the wire attachment is robust and rated for climbing loads. Look for integrated wire loops that are securely crimped.
Building Your Rack
Start with a basic set of nuts in common sizes. These are often sold in sets for convenience and cost-effectiveness.
Consider adding a few hexes, particularly if you climb on rock with irregular crack features.
If your climbing style involves varied crack sizes and types, a few tricams can offer valuable versatility.
Always inspect your gear for wear and tear before each use. Damaged or worn protection should be retired.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between passive and active climbing protection?
Passive protection relies on its shape and placement within a rock feature to stay in place and catch a fall. Active protection, like cams, uses mechanical action to expand and jam into cracks, requiring manipulation by the climber.
Are nuts or hexes better for beginners?
Both nuts and hexes are valuable additions to a climber's rack. Nuts are generally simpler to place and understand for beginners, while hexes can be more versatile in certain crack types once their use is mastered.
How do I know what size passive protection I need?
The size needed depends entirely on the width and shape of the crack you are trying to protect. It's best to carry a range of sizes and practice placing them in various crack features to develop a feel for what fits securely.
How should I clean and maintain my passive protection?
Clean your gear with water and a brush to remove dirt and debris. Inspect the metal for any signs of damage, such as deformities or excessive wear. Check the wire for fraying or corrosion; if any damage is found, the piece should be retired.
Can I use passive protection in any type of rock crack?
Passive protection works best in constrictions or features where its shape can be wedged or jammed securely. While versatile, some crack types (like perfectly parallel or severely flaring cracks) may be less suitable for certain passive pieces.
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